The Black Cats will have to defy history and rip up the form book if they are to win the First Division play-offs.

Sunderland's stuttering end-of-season form has been shrugged off by their manager, Mick McCarthy, who has correctly pointed out the mitigating circumstances for his side's three defeats in four games.

Sunderland were reduced to ten men early on at Crystal Palace, while West Brom's last-minute winner at the Stadium of Light a fortnight ago was the Baggies' first chance of a game in which they spent most of the time defending en masse just outside their own area.

But that cannot disguise the fact that McCarthy needs to revitalise his squad ahead of this weekend's clash with Crewe at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have failed to score a goal in their last four games and have taken just one point from a possible 12.

That pales in comparison to Crystal Palace, the division's form team, who have taken 10 points from 12 and who have won five of their last six games.

And the history books show that every side promoted via the play-offs over the past ten years has gone into the end-of-season tournament on the back of good form.

Indeed, both of the last two successful sides, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City, had been unbeaten in their last eight league games, while teams like Watford in 1999 won seven and drew one of their last eight, as did Charlton Athletic a year earlier.

Indeed, only Bolton Wanderers, in 1995, have reached the top flight on the back of a similar stumble during their run-in, the Lancashire club losing three of their last eight fixtures.

IpswichThe division's top scorers with 82 goals to date, Ipswich are desperate to return to the Premiership, particularly as bitter rivals Norwich are definitely there.

Manager's play-off record: Joe Royle was one of the first managers to experience play-off heartbreak when his third-placed Oldham side lost on away goals to fourth-placed Leeds in 1987, who lost a replay to Charlton to remain in the old Division Two. However, he also tasted one of the most amazing victories as Manchester City came from 2-0 down with seconds left to force extra-time with Gillingham at Wembley, going on to win on penalties and return to Division One.

West HamHave been shorn of many of their top players since their relegation last May but may have enough quality to make an instant return.

Manager's play-off record: Alan Pardew's Reading lost the Second Division play-off final to Walsall in 2001 and suffered more heartbreak with the Royals against last season's play-off winners Wolves at the semi-final stage.

Star Man: Michael Carrick: The twice-capped England midfielder was one of the few promising players to stay put.

Remaining Fixtures: Watford (h) May 1, Wigan (a) May 9.

*****

WiganAiming for back-to-back promotions, the Latics may be a small club in terms of supporters but multi-millionaire chairman Dave Whelan provides big backing.

Manager's play-off record: Paul Jewell has won promotion with Bradford and Wigan but until now has been spared the play-offs.

Crystal PalaceRevitalised under the excellent Iain Dowie, the Eagles are flying.

Manager's play-off record: Despite Oldham's financial problems Dowie led the club to last season's Second Division play-offs.

Star Man: Andrew Johnson: The pacy striker took his goals tally for the season to 30 with a hat-trick at Crewe last weekend. Knows all about the play-offs - he played there twice for Birmingham.

Remaining Fixtures: Walsall (h) May 1, Coventry (a) May 9.

*****

Sheffield UnitedSome indifferent recent form has seen but back-to-back wins in their last two games could get them into the top six.

Manager's play-off record: Until last season, United boss Neil Warnock was the man with the Midas touch in the play-offs. He took Notts County (twice), Huddersfield and Plymouth up through the play-offs but suffered his first failure when Wolves beat the Blades last season.

Star Man: Michael Tonge: Talented player who tends to operate out wide. Stayed put, but will he this time?

Remaining Fixtures: Ipswich (h) April 30, Preston (a) May 9.

*****

ReadingThe Royals are an outside bet to make the play-offs but the competition's history has often favoured those who scrape in at the last ahead of those who just miss out on automatic promotion.

Manager's play-off record: Steve Coppell led Crystal Palace into the top flight through the play-offs in 1989 and took them back to the Premiership in 1997 thanks to David Hopkin's last-minute winner over Sheffield United. Suffered defeat in the Second Division final to Stoke as Brentford manager in 2002.

Star Man: Shaun Goater: The Bermudan has never quite shone in the top flight but in Division One he is a prolific goalscorer.